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HEAD Aero Swimrun Wetsuit

24/8/2017

~ It's 5 stars for the HEAD Aero! ~

After a fair bit of testing and an "in-race test" I can safely say that the HEAD Aero is fantastically designed for swimrun. This makes perfect sense - HEAD Swimming have been designing specifically for swimrun long before the other wetsuit brands. It shows.

The main thing they have recognised, and catered for in this suit, is the fact that neoprene isn't great for running in.

The neoprene from the waist down is ultra flexible and soft, it almost feels like you are running in a pair of Nike Dri-Fit running tights. For anyone who has graduated to a swimrun specific wetsuit after years of struggling in old wetsuits that you customised then this will feel like heaven on the run sections.

Like everything in swimrun, it's give and take. What you gain in flexibility for running, you lose in buoyancy for swimming.... not to worry just get a slightly bigger pull buoy.

Above the waist there's a mix of Nano-glide neoprene from 1.5mm to 4mm air cell panels in the chest. This mix is designed to keep you buoyant and flexible.

Could it be better? There's no pocket, some folks like a pocket in their swimrun wetsuit. however I am happy stuffing anything I need inside the wetsuit - with the full frontal zip it's easy access. Some have noted that it can be a little tricky to take down, particularly if you're big shouldered, so practise before race day.

I love this wetsuit and I look forward to many more races in it.

The HEAD Aero has a base of 2 mm extremely flexible neoprene. Glideskin neoprene in upper part with 4 mm Air cell-panels placed on the chest for great buoyancy. 1.5 mm around arms and shoulders for extra flexibility and movement. Lower part is designed for optimal running properties. Nylon covered neoprene for best balance between flexibility and durability. Front zipper to easily open up while running. Comes with an small and effective whistle for security. Heat taped seams for individual length adjustment of both arms and legs.

You can normally find a discount online and pick one up for between £200 & £300.

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Lost in Llanberis, onwards to South Stack

18/8/2017

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~ A blistering start to the first run, we soon took the lead during the first swim - then went the wrong way ~

The hugely friendly and popular Loveswimrun Llanberis event returned in 2017 with a slightly different course to the inaugural 2016 route. With my planned partner Owen succumbing to a knee injury the swimrun community kicked in to present Matthew, last year's Llanberis winner in the solo category.

The relatively warm dry May and early June had Llyn Padarn warming up nicely. In the lead up to race day there were some stormy conditions with heavy downpours, which cooled the lake but only fractionally. When it came to race morning conditions were perfect - light winds and light clouds, and a lake temperature of 17.5.

We set off at the front running swiftly, with team 122 by our sides. We soon arrived at the first swim just behind team 122 but overtook them in the water. As we got out of the first swim we saw the arrow pointing right down the train track and we set off in first place. It didn't feel quite right as we expected there to be a turn up into the woods, we got to the start of the 2nd swim too quickly but we cracked on.... something wasn't right. Matthew shouted to me half way across the lake. We stopped, looked around, no one behind us or in sight. We both knew we'd missed a turn. We briefly discussed the situation then turned around and swam back, then ran back along the train track until we found the arrow pointing up into the woods, there was a marshal there now. Turns out we got to that turning point before the marshal was in place!

During the next 30 minutes of the race we were both a little deflated, compared to everyone else we'd done an extra 2km of running and 700m of swimming and we were playing catch up big time. However it wasn't long before our positive race spirit kicked back in as we passed countless happy swimrunners.

In the end we came in in 5th position in the team category, the first time I've been disappointed with 5th. We both felt we could have won this. One thing that will stay with me is to remember not to lead at the start, particularly when racing a new course for the first time.

Aside from our navigational issues it was great to race with Matthew, a strong all-rounder, who I believe has now seen the light - swimrun is better together - get lost together, fight back together!

Thanks to Chloe & Johnny for staging another great event which continues to deliver on friendliness and inclusiveness, and thanks for the special "missing a turn" prizes!

I'm now looking forward to swimrunning in one of my favourite places in the world - Holy Island, Anglesey. I'll be teaming up with my sister to race in the mixed category, if we get lost on this one I'm retiring.

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